How The Chainsmokers Clinched the Grammy Award for Best Pop Dance / EDM Recording

The Chainsmokers made waves in the music industry when they clinched the Grammy Award for Best Pop Dance Recording. This prestigious accolade recognized their exceptional talent and innovative approach to electronic dance music. The duo’s journey to the top of the charts and their eventual Grammy win has been nothing short of remarkable, capturing the attention of fans and critics alike.

In this article, we’ll dive into The Chainsmokers’ rise to fame and explore how they created their award-winning track. We’ll also take you behind the scenes of Grammy night and discuss the big win. Additionally, we’ll examine the impact and legacy of this award on their career and the dance music scene. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of how The Chainsmokers achieved this milestone and what it means for their future in the industry.

The Chainsmokers’ Rise to Fame

Early career and breakthrough

The Chainsmokers’ journey to stardom began in New York City in 2012. Alex Pall, a receptionist at an art gallery who moonlighted as a DJ, teamed up with Drew Taggart, a former intern at Interscope Records. Their partnership, initially set up by manager Adam Alpert, quickly blossomed into a creative force in the electronic dance music (EDM) scene.

The duo started by creating remixes of indie tracks, gaining traction on music blogs and the aggregator Hype Machine. Their remix of Daughter’s “Medicine” reached number one on HypeMachine in April 2013, showcasing their potential. They played every show offered to them, from club gigs to college frat parties, building a loyal fanbase.

Developing their signature sound

The Chainsmokers’ breakthrough came unexpectedly with “#Selfie,” a novelty track released in 2014. The song, meant to mock Instagram culture, went viral for its obnoxious beats and over-the-top music video. While it brought them instant fame, it also presented a challenge: to prove they were more than just “the selfie guys.”

Determined to establish their authentic sound, Pall and Taggart focused on creating original music that reflected their artistic vision. They experimented with various styles, blending elements of EDM, pop, and indie rock. This experimentation led to the development of their signature sound, which combined catchy melodies with electronic beats and emotive lyrics.

Commercial success and popularity

The duo’s efforts paid off with the release of “Roses” in 2015. This track, featuring vocals from Rozes, marked a turning point in their career. Unlike “#Selfie,” “Roses” had an unorthodox appeal that connected with listeners on an emotional level. It climbed to number six on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and went double platinum, establishing The Chainsmokers as serious contenders in the music industry.

Building on this success, they released “Don’t Let Me Down” featuring Daya in 2016. The song became a massive hit, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning them their first Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording. This achievement solidified their position as top-tier artists in both the EDM and pop worlds.

The Chainsmokers’ popularity soared with the release of “Closer” featuring Halsey later in 2016. The track topped the charts in multiple countries and broke records, becoming the longest-running number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 that year. This success catapulted them to global stardom and established them as one of the biggest acts in the music industry.

Their rapid rise to fame was accompanied by an intense touring schedule, including high-profile festival appearances at Firefly, Ultra, Tomorrowland, and Lollapalooza. The duo’s ability to connect with audiences through their music and energetic live performances has been a key factor in their continued success.

Creating the Grammy-Winning Track

Songwriting process

The Chainsmokers’ approach to songwriting has been a key factor in their success. Their Grammy-winning track, “Don’t Let Me Down,” came to life through a unique creative process. Drew Taggart, one half of the duo, often starts by making demo sketches and ideas. These initial concepts are then sent out to various artists, singers, and writers that the duo finds interesting or wants to collaborate with.

For “Don’t Let Me Down,” the songwriting process began with a demo track that was sent to songwriter Emily Warren. She wrote the first verse to a completely different beat and in a different key. When she came to the studio, Taggart showed her a new beat he had created and suggested changing her words and melodies to fit this new rhythm. This collaborative approach allowed them to blend their ideas and create something truly special.

The song’s dangerously romantic message, with lines like “It’s in my head, darling, I hope/ That you’ll be here when I need you the most,” sets up the titular phrase. This emotional depth in the lyrics has been a hallmark of The Chainsmokers’ work, helping them connect with listeners on a deeper level.

Production techniques

The Chainsmokers’ production style has evolved significantly since their early days. For “Don’t Let Me Down,” they employed a mix of techniques that have become part of their signature sound. The track starts subtly and gradually builds tension until it explodes, an element that brings it closer to their club roots.

One of the key production elements in the song is the dark electronic hook contrasted with bright melodic verses. This juxtaposition of hard and soft elements – an energetic club hook and sensitive lyrics – has been crucial in defining The Chainsmokers’ crossover appeal.

Interestingly, the creation of “Don’t Let Me Down” wasn’t without its challenges. As Alex Pall revealed, “When it was completely done, [the] computer crashed and we lost the entire song.” However, this setback turned into an opportunity. They remade the track, and in Pall’s words, “it’s even better than before.” This incident highlights the duo’s resilience and their ability to turn setbacks into opportunities for improvement.

Collaboration with featured artist

The collaboration with featured artist Daya has been a significant factor in the success of “Don’t Let Me Down.” Initially, The Chainsmokers had approached Rihanna to feature on the track, but when she turned it down, they found their perfect match in the then 17-year-old Daya.

Taggart was impressed by Daya’s vocal range and unique sound. As he told the New York Times in 2016, “When I heard that, I knew that she had the range. Her voice was pretty unique and didn’t sound like other people on the radio.” This distinctiveness in Daya’s voice has been crucial in setting the song apart from other tracks on the airwaves.

In the studio, Daya’s performance was so strong that Taggart recalled she “didn’t really need my help.” Her hauntingly strong yet emotionally desperate delivery perfectly complemented the track’s production, creating a powerful synergy between the vocals and the instrumental.

The collaboration with Daya has been a testament to The Chainsmokers’ ability to identify and work with emerging talent, a skill that has contributed significantly to their success in the music industry.

Grammy Night and the Big Win

Nomination in the category

The Chainsmokers’ hit single “Don’t Let Me Down” featuring Daya received a nomination for Best Dance Recording at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards. This recognition placed them in a competitive category alongside other talented artists such as Bob Moses, Flume, Riton, and Sofi Tukker. The nomination itself was a significant achievement for the duo, marking their first-ever Grammy nod and solidifying their position in the music industry.

Performance at the ceremony

Although The Chainsmokers didn’t perform “Don’t Let Me Down” at the Grammy ceremony, they were eagerly anticipating other performances. In an interview, they expressed excitement about the Metallica and Lady Gaga collaboration, describing it as “insane.” They highlighted the unique aspect of the Grammys, which brings together artists from different genres, creating incredible performances that showcase the best of each musical style.

The duo’s presence at the event was marked by a mix of nervousness and confidence. They acknowledged the gravity of the situation, realizing that being nominated for a Grammy was already a significant accomplishment. As Drew Taggart mentioned, “This is like the biggest award show for music period, you know, and as musicians, we worked really hard on everything, so to come here as a nominee just means everything to us.”

Acceptance speech and reactions

When the winner for Best Dance Recording was announced, The Chainsmokers’ name echoed through the venue. The duo, consisting of Drew Taggart and Alex Pall, took to the stage to accept their first Grammy award. Their acceptance speech was filled with gratitude and excitement.

They began by thanking their team, including Adam Alpert, their manager, and the entire Columbia Records staff. The duo also expressed deep appreciation for their fans, acknowledging their crucial role in their success. They promised not to take the award lightly, recognizing the responsibility that comes with such an honor.

In a touching moment, they addressed aspiring musicians, saying, “To every kid out there that’s making music at home, your dreams are closer than you think they are. Just believe in yourself, believe in your friends.” This message resonated with their own journey from creating music in their homes to standing on the Grammy stage.

The Chainsmokers’ reaction to their win was a mix of disbelief and elation. They took to social media to share their feelings, describing it as “the most special moment ever” and emphasizing the joy of sharing this achievement with their best friend. On Instagram, they wrote, “This is the highest honor any musician can have, and saying we are grateful just doesn’t do this moment justice.”

The Grammy win had an immediate impact on the duo’s motivation and focus. They announced their plans to return to the studio the very next day, with renewed dedication to their upcoming album. This win not only validated their past work but also set the stage for their future endeavors in the music industry.

Impact and Legacy of the Award

Boost to their career

Winning the Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording has been a game-changer for The Chainsmokers. This prestigious accolade has opened doors to new opportunities and collaborations, solidifying their position in the music industry. Since their Grammy win, the duo has been nominated for and won several iHeartRadio Music Awards and Billboard Music Awards, showcasing their continued success and recognition within the industry.

The award has also increased their credibility as artists, allowing them to explore new musical territories and experiment with different sounds. This newfound respect has led to collaborations with notable musicians like Coldplay, Bebe Rexha, and Halsey, further expanding their reach and influence in the pop music scene.

Influence on dance music

The Chainsmokers’ Grammy win has had a significant impact on the dance music genre as a whole. Their ability to blend elements of EDM with pop sensibilities has inspired a new wave of producers and artists to push the boundaries of dance music. The duo’s success has shown that dance music can have mainstream appeal without losing its core identity.

Their influence has been particularly noticeable in Europe, where hard house has seen a resurgence in popularity. As Alex Pall noted, “It feels like the world’s kind of coming back around to dance music.” This renewed interest in dance music has created an exciting atmosphere of innovation and experimentation within the genre.

The Chainsmokers’ success has also highlighted the importance of production skills in modern music. Their ability to craft catchy melodies and infectious beats has set a new standard for aspiring producers and DJs. As Drew Taggart mentioned, “We have so much respect for artists like Flume and ODESZA and countless other acts [who are] experimenting.”

Future projects and aspirations

Looking ahead, The Chainsmokers are not content to rest on their laurels. They have expressed a desire to continue pushing themselves creatively and to explore new avenues within the music industry. One of their most ambitious goals is to become the first artists to perform in space, with plans for a performance scheduled for 2024.

The duo has also diversified their business ventures beyond music. They have started a TV and film production company, launched a tequila brand, and are now moving into venture capital. These endeavors showcase their entrepreneurial spirit and their desire to make a lasting impact beyond the music industry.

In terms of their musical aspirations, The Chainsmokers aim to continue innovating and creating new sounds that resonate with their audience. As Alex Pall stated, “We want to keep pushing ourselves to be bold as we write and produce, and continue to tap into those things that not only made us fall in love with music but hopefully made people fall in love with the sounds that we create.”

The Chainsmokers’ Grammy win has not only boosted their career but has also left an indelible mark on the dance music scene. As they continue to evolve and explore new horizons, their influence on the industry is likely to grow, inspiring future generations of artists and producers.

Conclusion

The Chainsmokers’ journey to Grammy success is a testament to their talent, hard work, and innovative approach to music. Their win has had a significant impact on their career, opening doors to new opportunities and collaborations. What’s more, it has caused a revolution in the dance music scene, inspiring a new generation of artists to push boundaries and blend genres.

Looking ahead, The Chainsmokers are poised to continue their upward trajectory in the music industry. Their ambitious goals, including the plan to perform in space, showcase their drive to innovate and create unique experiences for their fans. As they explore new musical territories and business ventures, The Chainsmokers’ influence on the industry is likely to grow, cementing their legacy as groundbreaking artists in the world of electronic dance music.